Bolton boss: Going to Millwall a 'mental test'

PHIL Parkinson has warned his side to be prepared for a “mental test” at Millwall on Tuesday night.

Parkinson brought Bradford to The Den twice last season with both games ending in draws, the second confirming Millwall’s place in the League One play-off final.

The first fixture (above) ended scoreless after Tony Craig had sustained a serious knee injury in a ferociously physical contest.

And Parkinson has told his players to “roll your sleeves up” ahead of the fixture.

“I’m looking forward to this test. I’ve seen teams go to Millwall in the wrong frame of mind and be two- or three-nil down after 30 minutes. The place can very quickly get on top of you.

“It’s a mental test at The Den. I’m sure we can stand up to it but going down there on a cold Tuesday night will tell me a lot.

“We need solid characters, seven out of 10 every week, who when we put our head on the pillow the night before a game know exactly what we are going to get from them. Andy Taylor, David Wheater, Jay Spearing – players like that have been terrific for us just recently.

“At Millwall you need to roll your sleeves up, do all those horrible things you have to do in football to grind out a win away from home, then I’m confident I’ve got quality in this team to produce a moment or two.”